Breaking news: Ex-Bills’ 22-Year-Old player Signed a Blockbuster Deal With the Las Vegas Raiders.

The Raiders of Las Vegas keep adding to their linebacker corps. Jackson Mitchell was just claimed by the team off waivers, but they weren’t done yet.

Linebacker DaShaun White is reportedly close to finalizing a contract with the Raiders, per an August 20 X post by Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston.

White, an Oklahoma native, entered the NFL last season as an undrafted free agent and signed with the Buffalo Bills. As a rookie, he was unable to participate in an NFL game; therefore, he will need to make an immediate impression on the Raiders in order to be considered for the roster.

Throughout his five years at Oklahoma, White totaled 258 tackles. In his sixth season, he recorded 90 total tackles, 6.0 tackles for loss, 2.0 sacks, and two interceptions—his greatest season to date. Although he wasn’t drafted, those are nonetheless excellent figures from that season. Maybe he could get a position on the Raiders practice squad and try to work his way up to the active roster. With only one preseason game remaining before the regular season begins, he faces an uphill struggle.

Divine Deablo Approaching a Crucial Year
With Robert Spillane and Divine Deablo both having over 100 tackles in the previous season, the Raiders linebacker room appears to be in good shape. Last season, Deablo started 15 games, which was a career high.

He thought that despite his strong performance, he wasn’t at his best. The Athletic’s Tashan Reed outlined the changes that Deablo will be experiencing before the 2024 campaign begins.

In an attempt to increase his durability, Deablo bulked up to 238 pounds last year after playing in just eight games due to injury in 2022, according to a July 30 essay by Reed. But Deablo claimed he was too slow because of the extra weight. Despite having 106 tackles and only missing two games, he said he didn’t think he played “to expectations” and continued to struggle with injuries. He dropped to 223 pounds this year and thinks he’ll be stronger and faster.

If he stays healthy, Deablo is optimistic that he will have a breakthrough season.

“I’m going to set last year aside,” declared Deablo. “I think I can be a top linebacker in the league as long as I stay healthy.”

Deablo needs to have a strong year in order to be well-compensated in the upcoming offseason because he is in his contract year.

Can Robert Spillane be extended by the Las Vegas Raiders?
Regarding players whose contracts are about to expire, Tom Telesco, the new general manager, hasn’t shown much enthusiasm for offering contract extensions this offseason. Perhaps the biggest breakout player for the Raiders in the previous season was Spillane.

Spillane started 17 games for the Raiders in 2023 after appearing in just 16 games over four seasons as a starter for the Pittsburgh Steelers. He finished with 148 total tackles, 3.5 sacks, and three interceptions. He demonstrated his ability to contribute to both run and pass defense.

Spillane, who is in the final year of his deal, may be among the Raiders players who receive an extension before the season ends. With Spillane and Deablo, the team may finally have a linebacker duo to build around after years of struggling to find consistent linebacker play.